Discounts, special doings, and ways to give back await at the store-filled destination.

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Discounts, special doings, and ways to give back await at the store-filled destination on Saturday, Oct. 1.
Nancy Newman Photography
NancyNB@earthlink.net

The reports are coming in, from friends and family and co-workers and random people in line at the market, and they surprisingly do not contain the words "pumpkin spice" or "jack o'lanterns."

Rather, word has it that holiday decorations are making a first appearance around Southern California, which means, of course, the holidays will soon follow, which means, of course, we'll scramble to stuff stockings and find gifts and locate party outfits and such.

The annual Shopping Extravaganza at Citadel Outlets makes this pre-pre-pre-yuletide realization so much the easier, and it adds a dollop of niceness on top: The day is a spirited fundraiser for dozens of charities and local groups.

That day in 2016 will be Saturday, Oct. 1, and shoppers will find discounts and sales at "more than 50 luxury fashion brands." A lunch is part of your ticket, as is live entertainment, and a "(s)pa lounge experience hosted by The Bicycle Hotel & Casino."

As for the giving back element of the popular deal-packed day out? A ticket is $35, and well over half of that — $25 — will be donated to organizations like the East Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club and spcaLA (the list of charities and groups can be viewed at the Citadel Outlets online HQ).

If you've heard of this deal-and-do-good event, that could be because it passed its first decade anniversary in 2015.

Nope, the holidays aren't quite upon us yet, but the store shelves, with their early tinsel and ornaments, say we might stock the upper bin in our back closet, the secret one we save for scarves and skirts and such that we plan to gift in December.

It's a big day, so best prepare by reading up on this money-raising, deal-sharing spectacular.